Strangled: Cheryl Tariah

The Tottenham teenager murdered last week was hit over the head with a hammer before being strangled to death by her boyfriend, a court heard.

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Cheryl Tariah, 17, of Dunloe Avenue, was found on Tuesday, February 7, in a flat above shops in High Street, Barkingside, Ilford, shortly after 4pm when police responded to reports of a “disturbance”.

This morning, 18-year-old Ako Amin appeared at the Old Bailey via video link charged with her murder.

The court heard how Amin - who lived in the flat - had struck Cheryl over the head with a hammer before throttling her with his hands following an argument.

A post-mortem examination gave cause of death as compression of the neck.

Amin entered no plea to the charge and was remanded in custody until his next appearance on May 21.

Tributes were paid to the aspiring fashion designer last week by Chelmsford College in Essex, where Cheryl was studying art.

The statement said: “Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this impossibly difficult time.

“Clearly, her fellow students and the staff of the college are shocked and upset.

“Fellow students have described her as a lovely bubbly girl. She was a strong and bold personality, well-liked by both her peers and the teaching staff.

“In her short time at the college her talent was abundantly clear. She wanted to be a brilliant fashion designer and, given the opportunity, she would undoubtedly have fulfilled her ambition. She is sadly missed.”

The college has offered counselling to students and staff at this “very testing time,” adding: “The college is coming together to provide mutual support.”

Anyone with information on Cheryl’s death is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8345 3985, or Crimestopers anonymously on 0800 555 111.